TC - recent papershttps://www.the-cryosphere.net/
Combined list of the recent articles of the journal The Cryosphere and the recent discussion forum The Cryosphere Discussions

https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3577-2018
<b>What historical landfast ice observations tell us about projected ice conditions in Arctic archipelagoes and marginal seas under anthropogenic forcing</b><br>
Frédéric Laliberté, Stephen E. L. Howell, Jean-François Lemieux, Frédéric Dupont, and Ji Lei<br>
The Cryosphere, 12, 3577-3588, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3577-2018, 2018<br>
Ice that forms over marginal seas often gets anchored and becomes landfast. Landfast ice is fundamental to the local ecosystems, is of economic importance as it leads to hazardous seafaring conditions and is also a choice hunting ground for both the local population and large predators. Using observations and climate simulations, this study shows that, especially in the Canadian Arctic, landfast ice might be more resilient to climate change than is generally thought.
2018-11-19T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3565-2018
<b>Modelling the fate of surface melt on the Larsen C Ice Shelf</b><br>
Sammie Buzzard, Daniel Feltham, and Daniela Flocco<br>
The Cryosphere, 12, 3565-3575, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3565-2018, 2018<br>
Surface lakes on ice shelves can not only change the amount of solar energy the ice shelf receives, but may also play a pivotal role in sudden ice shelf collapse such as that of the Larsen B Ice Shelf in 2002.
Here we simulate current and future melting on Larsen C, Antarctica’s most northern ice shelf and one on which lakes have been observed. We find that should future lakes occur closer to the ice shelf front, they may contain sufficient meltwater to contribute to ice shelf instability.
2018-11-19T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-229
<b>Organic matter across subsea permafrost thaw horizons on the East Siberian Arctic Shelf</b><br>
Birgit Wild, Natalia Shakhova, Oleg Dudarev, Alexey Ruban, Denis Kosmach, Vladimir Tumskoy, Tommaso Tesi, Hanna Joß, Helena Alexanderson, Martin Jakobsson, Alexey Mazurov, Igor Semiletov, and Örjan Gustafsson<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-229,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
The thaw and degradation of subsea permafrost on the Arctic Ocean shelves is one of the key uncertainties concerning natural greenhouse gas emissions since difficult access limits the availability of observational data. In this study, we describe sediment properties and age constraints of a unique set of three subsea permafrost cores from the East Siberian Arctic Shelf, as well as content, origin and degradation state of organic matter at the current thaw front.
2018-11-16T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-241
<b>Saharan dust events in the European Alps: role on snowmelt and geochemical characterization</b><br>
Biagio Di Mauro, Roberto Garzonio, Micol Rossini, Gianluca Filippa, Paolo Pogliotti, Marta Galvagno, Umberto Morra di Cella, Mirco Migliavacca, Giovanni Baccolo, Massimiliano Clemenza, Barbara Delmonte, Valter Maggi, Marie Dumont, François Tuzet, Matthieu Lafaysse, Samuel Morin, Edoardo Cremonese, and Roberto Colombo<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-241,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 1 comment)<br>
The snow albedo reduction due to dust from arid regions alters the melting dynamics of the snowpack, resulting in earlier snowmelt. We estimate up to 38 days of anticipated snow disappearance for a season that was characterized by a several dust deposition events. This has a series of further impacts, for example: earlier snowmelts may alter the hydrological cycle in the Alps, induce higher sensitivity to late summer drought, and finally impact vegetation and animal phenology.
2018-11-15T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-224
<b>Attenuation of Sound in Glacier Ice from 2&thinsp;kHz to 35&thinsp;kHz</b><br>
Alexander Meyer, Dmitry Eliseev, Dirk Heinen, Peter Linder, Franziska Scholz, Lars Steffen Weinstock, Christopher Wiebusch, and Simon Zierke<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-224,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
The acoustic damping in natural glaciers is a largely unexplored physical property that has relevance for various applications particularly for the exploration of glaciers with probes. We present measurements of the attenuation of sound in situ on the Italian glacier Langenferner. The tested frequency ranges from 2&thinsp;kHz to 35&thinsp;kHz. The attenuation length ranges between 13meter for low frequencies and 5 meter for high frequency.
2018-11-14T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-216
<b>Brief communication: PICOP, a new ocean melt parameterization under ice shelves combining PICO and a plume model</b><br>
Tyler Pelle, Mathieu Morlighem, and Johannes H. Bondzio<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-216,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
How ocean induced melt under floating ice shelves will change as ocean currents evolve remains a big uncertainty in projections of sea level rise. In this study, we combine two of the most recently developed melt models to form PICOP, which overcomes the limitations of past models and produces accurate ice shelf melt rates. We find that our model is easy to set up and computationally efficient, providing researchers an important tool to improve the accuracy of their future glacial projections.
2018-11-14T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3551-2018
<b>Estimating snow depth over Arctic sea ice from calibrated dual-frequency radar freeboards</b><br>
Isobel R. Lawrence, Michel C. Tsamados, Julienne C. Stroeve, Thomas W. K. Armitage, and Andy L. Ridout<br>
The Cryosphere, 12, 3551-3564, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3551-2018, 2018<br>
In this paper we estimate the thickness of snow cover on Arctic sea ice from space. We use data from two radar altimeter satellites, AltiKa and CryoSat-2, that have been operating synchronously since 2013. We produce maps of monthly average snow depth for the four growth seasons (October to April): 2012&ndash;2013, 2013&ndash;2014, 2014&ndash;2015, and 2015&ndash;2016. Snow depth estimates are essential for the accurate retrieval of sea ice thickness from satellite altimetry.
2018-11-13T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3535-2018
<b>Monitoring snow depth change across a range of landscapes with ephemeral snowpacks using structure from motion applied to lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle videos</b><br>
Richard Fernandes, Christian Prevost, Francis Canisius, Sylvain G. Leblanc, Matt Maloley, Sarah Oakes, Kiyomi Holman, and Anders Knudby<br>
The Cryosphere, 12, 3535-3550, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3535-2018, 2018<br>
The use of lightweight UAV-based surveys of surface elevation to map snow depth and weekly snow depth change was evaluated over five study areas spanning a range of topography and vegetation cover. Snow depth was estimated with an accuracy of better than 10&thinsp;cm in the vertical and 3&thinsp;cm in the horizontal. Vegetation in the snow-free elevation map was a major source of error. As a result, the snow depth change between two dates with snow cover was estimated with an accuracy of better than 4&thinsp;cm.
2018-11-13T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-240
<b>The Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica</b><br>
Ian M. Howat, Claire Porter, Benjamin E. Smith, Myoung-Jong Noh, and Paul Morin<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-240,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
The Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica (REMA) is the first continental-scale terrain map at less than 10&thinsp;m resolution, and the first with a time stamp, enabling measurements of elevation change. REMA is constructed from over 300,000 individual stereoscopic elevation models (DEM) extracted from submeter resolution satellite imagery. REMA is vertically registered to satellite altimetry, resulting in errors of less than 1&thinsp;m over most of its area, and relative uncertainties of decimeters.
2018-11-13T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3511-2018
<b>Exploration of Antarctic Ice Sheet 100-year contribution to sea level rise and associated model uncertainties using the ISSM framework</b><br>
Nicole-Jeanne Schlegel, Helene Seroussi, Michael P. Schodlok, Eric Y. Larour, Carmen Boening, Daniel Limonadi, Michael M. Watkins, Mathieu Morlighem, and Michiel R. van den Broeke<br>
The Cryosphere, 12, 3511-3534, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3511-2018, 2018<br>
Using NASA supercomputers and a novel framework, in which Sandia National Laboratories' statistical software is embedded in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's ice sheet model, we run a range of 100-year warming scenarios for Antarctica. We find that 1.2&thinsp;m of sea level contribution is achievable, but not likely. Also, we find that bedrock topography beneath the ice drives potential for regional sea level contribution, highlighting the need for accurate bedrock mapping of the ice sheet interior.
2018-11-12T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-232
<b>A multi-season investigation of glacier surface roughness lengths
through in situ and remote observation</b><br>
Noel Fitzpatrick, Valentina Radic, and Brian Menounos<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-232,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
Measurements of surface roughness are rare on glaciers, despite being an important control on heat exchange with the atmosphere and surface melt. In this study, roughness values were determined through measurements at multiple locations and seasons, and found to vary across glacier surfaces and to differ from commonly-assumed values in melt models. Two new methods to remotely determine roughness from digital elevation models returned good performance, and may facilitate improved melt modelling.
2018-11-12T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-239
<b>A key factor initiating surface ablation of Arctic sea ice: Earlier and increasing liquid precipitation</b><br>
Tingfeng Dou, Cunde Xiao, Jiping Liu, Wei Han, Zhiheng Du, Andrew R. Mahoney, Joshua Jones, and Hajo Eicken<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-239,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
The variability and potential trends of rain-on-snow events over Arctic sea ice and their role in sea-ice losses are poorly understood. This study demonstrates that rain on snow events are a critical factor in initiating the onset of surface melt over Arctic sea ice, and onset of spring rainfall over sea ice has shifted to earlier dates since the 1970s, which may have profound impacts on ice melting through feedbacks involving earlier onset of surface melt.
2018-11-12T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-238
<b>High Mountain Asia glacier elevation trends 2003&ndash;2008, lake volume changes 1990&ndash;2015, and their relation to precipitation changes</b><br>
Désirée Treichler, Andreas Kääb, Nadine Salzmann, and Chong-Yu Xu<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-238,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
Glacier growth such as found on the Tibetan Plateau is counter-intuitive in a warming world. Climate models and meteorological data are conflicting about the reasons for this glacier anomaly. We quantify the glacier changes over the Tibetan Plateau using satellite laser altimetry and the growth of over 1300 inland lakes. Our study suggests that increases in summer precipitation are likely the largest contributor to the observed increases in glacier and lake masses.
2018-11-12T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-223
<b>Estimating the snow depth, the snow-ice interface temperature, and
the effective temperature of Arctic sea ice using Advanced
Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 and Ice Mass Balance buoys data</b><br>
Lise Kilic, Rasmus Tage Tonboe, Catherine Prigent, and Georg Heygster<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-223,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
In this study, we develop and present simple algorithms to derive the snow depth, the snow-ice interface temperature, and the effective temperature of Arctic sea ice. This is achieved using satellite observations collocated with buoys measurements. The errors of the retrieved parameters are estimated and compared with independent data. These parameters are useful for sea ice concentration mapping, understanding sea ice properties and variability, and for atmospheric sounding applications.
2018-11-12T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3499-2018
<b>On the suitability of the Thorpe–Mason model for calculating sublimation of saltating snow</b><br>
Varun Sharma, Francesco Comola, and Michael Lehning<br>
The Cryosphere, 12, 3499-3509, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3499-2018, 2018<br>
The Thorpe-Mason (TM) model describes how an ice grain sublimates during aeolian transport. We revisit this classic model using simple numerical experiments and discover that for many common scenarios, the model is likely to underestimate the amount of ice loss. Extending this result to drifting and blowing snow using high-resolution turbulent flow simulations, the study shows that current estimates for ice loss due to sublimation in regions such as Antarctica need to be significantly updated.
2018-11-09T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3459-2018
<b>Interannual sea ice thickness variability in the Bay of Bothnia</b><br>
Iina Ronkainen, Jonni Lehtiranta, Mikko Lensu, Eero Rinne, Jari Haapala, and Christian Haas<br>
The Cryosphere, 12, 3459-3476, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3459-2018, 2018<br>
We quantify the sea ice thickness variability in the Bay of Bothnia using various observational data sets. For the first time we use helicopter and shipborne electromagnetic soundings to study changes in drift ice of the Bay of Bothnia. Our results show that the interannual variability of ice thickness is larger in the drift ice zone than in the fast ice zone. Furthermore, the mean thickness of heavily ridged ice near the coast can be several times larger than that of fast ice.
2018-11-08T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3477-2018
<b>Repeat mapping of snow depth across an alpine catchment with RPAS photogrammetry</b><br>
Todd A. N. Redpath, Pascal Sirguey, and Nicolas J. Cullen<br>
The Cryosphere, 12, 3477-3497, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3477-2018, 2018<br>
A remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) is evaluated for mapping seasonal snow depth across an alpine basin. RPAS photogrammetry performs well at providing maps of snow depth at high spatial resolution, outperforming field measurements for resolving spatial variability. Uncertainty and error analysis reveal limitations and potential pitfalls of photogrammetric surface-change analysis. Ultimately, RPAS can be a useful tool for understanding snow processes and improving snow modelling efforts.
2018-11-08T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-212
<b>Buoyant forces promote tidewater glacier iceberg calving through large basal stress concentrations</b><br>
Matt Trevers, Antony J. Payne, Stephen L. Cornford, and Twila Moon<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-212,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
Iceberg calving is a major factor in the retreat of outlet glaciers of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Massive block overturning calving events occur at major outlet glaciers.
A major calving event 2009 was triggered by the release of a smaller block of ice from above the waterline. Using a numerical model, we investigate the feasibility of this mechanism to drive large calving events. We find that relatively small perturbations induce forces large enough to open cracks in ice at the glacier bed.
2018-11-07T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-225
<b>Eemian Greenland ice sheet simulated with a higher-order model
shows strong sensitivity to SMB forcing</b><br>
Andreas Plach, Kerim H. Nisancioglu, Petra M. Langebroek, and Andreas Born<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-225,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
Meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) rises sea level and knowing how the GrIS behaved in the past will help to become better in predicting its future. Here, the evolution of the past GrIS is shown to be dominated by how much ice melts (a result of the prevailing climate) rather than how ice flow is represented in the simulations. Therefore, it is very important to know past climates accurately, in order to be able to simulate the evolution of the GrIS and its contribution to sea level.
2018-11-07T22:54:45+01:00https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-213
<b>Microstructure and texture evolution in polycrystalline ice during hot torsion. Impact of intragranular strain and recrystallization processes</b><br>
Baptiste Journaux, Thomas Chauve, Maurine Montagnat, Andrea Tommasi, Fabrice Barou, David Mainprice, and Léa Gest<br>
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2018-213,2018<br>
<b>Manuscript under review for TC</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br>
Ice mechanics is an important tool to better predict the response of glaciers or polar ice sheets to climate variations.
Nevertheless our current predictive abilities are limited as the microscale mechanisms responsible for ice creep are poorly identified.
We show in this study, using state of the art experimental techniques, which recrystallization processes are controling ice deformation. This will allow realistic simulations, necessary to predict the long term effects on ice land masses.
2018-11-07T22:54:45+01:00